If you happen to be in Montreal at the end of May, here are a few ideas sure to satisfy both body and soul!

Pointe-à-Callière’s Cultural Feast

Food connoisseurs will be thrilled to learn that the Pointe-à-Callière’s Cultural Feast will be taking place on May 26 and 27, 2012. It is an outdoor event taking place at Place D’Youville, situated next to Point-à-Callière, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. There will be performances, presentations, activities for the children and, of course, food kiosks, as well as conferences and demonstrations by food enthusiasts. Several of Montreal’s restaurateurs will be on hand with some of their specialties for tasting.    Indulge!

The 26th Montreal Museum Day

On May 27, the Board of Montreal Museum Directors (BMMD) invites the public to participate in a day intended for the democratization of culture. During the 26th Montreal Museum Day, Montrealers and tourists alike can visit free-of-charge the city’s museums by way of free public transportation. Visitors can benefit from extended museum hours and from special programs. Don’t miss out on this great event!

The Montreal Bike Fest

The Montreal Bike Fest is a festive event taking place from May 27 to June 3, 2012. Included in the program: le Tour de l’île de Montréal (a trip around the Island of Montreal), le Tour la nuit (a ride-around at night), the Metropolitan Challenge, and Operation Bike-to-Work. Montreal is the cycling capital of America and everyone is welcome to hop on their bike and join the ride-solo or with friends and family. A great-and unique-way to discover Montreal!

Studio Meublé wishes you a great visit with us in May!

In its last entry, Studio Meublé made some suggestions for Montreal festivals taking place in May. Here are a few more that are every bit as entertaining!

Festival TransAmériques (FTA)

From May 24 to June 9, 2012, the 6th edition of Festival TransAmériques will be taking place. Several creators will present 28 performances covering a variety of artistic trends and disciplines, such as theatre and dance. During this international event of contemporary creations, you will see and hear outstanding works: choreographers, playwrights, and directors will be sure to wow the audience!

International Festival of Digital Creativity and Electronic Music

The 13th edition of Mutek will be taking place from May 30 to June 3, 2012. During the event, several artists will give highly-anticipated performances, notably Jeff Mills, Shackleton, Nicolas Jaar, Stephen O’Malley and the Apparat Band. Pioneers of electronic music and budding artists alike will not disappoint digital music enthusiasts.

Festival de la poésie de Montréal (Poetry Festival)

The Festival de la poésie de Montréal will be presented from May 28 to June 3, 2012. Under the theme Poésie et territoire (Poetry and land), the festival invites its audience to explore modern-day poetry with a program of over forty activities. Throughout the week the festival will bring together 150 poets and 80 publishers and will be taking place at two locations: Place Gérald-Godin (Mont-Royal metro station) and Casa d’Italia (505 Jean-Talon Street East, Jean-Talon metro station), where the majority of activities will be taking place in a theatre hall.

Studio Meublé wishes you a great festival season!

So you plan on being in Montreal in May and you’re all set with your Studio Meublé accommodations? Well, you’ll be glad to know that the festival season has already begun!

Regional Dance America (RDA)-National Festival 2012 

One of Montreal’s largest dance festivals will be taking place from May 1-5, 2012: the Regional Dance America-National festival 2012. On the program, classical ballet, jazz ballet, modern dance as well as character dancing. The public is invited to enjoy five evenings in which approximately 2000 dancers will be showcasing their talents! It all takes place at Place des Arts and there is a flat entry fee of $41.

Elektra Festival

For its 13th edition, the Elektra Festival offers digital culture enthusiasts various artworks in such forms as “visual music”, concerts, audiovisual performances, as well as architectural video projections. At the event-taking place from May 1-6, 2012- electronic music melds with design and gaming!

Piknic Electronik

Electronic music lovers will be thrilled to know that on May 20, 2012, begin the Piknic Electronik weekly outdoor events. Come join the fun at the place De l’homme site at parc Jean-Drapeau, taking place until September 30!

Festival plein air et voyage

Le Festival plein air et voyage (Outdoor and Travel Festival) invites outdoor and travel enthusiasts to parc Jean-Drapeau to discover the latest in adventure activities and equipment. Also learn about the best destinations for outdoor adventure, in Quebec as well as abroad. The festival unites over one hundred exhibitors eager to share their passion with the public. The festival also offers, free of charge, information workshops, conferences, and instructional courses and demonstrations by experts. Join the fun from May 25-27!

With its rich and vibrant culture, Montreal is becoming more and more recognized as being a cultural hot spot for many diverse forms of art. Here are a few suggestions from Studio Meublé on where to visit, whether you’re in the mood for something digital, classical or altogether circusy!

International Digital Arts Biennial (BIAN)

The International Digital Arts Biennial takes place at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from April 18 to June 13, 2012. Three main elements make up the heart of the festival: culture, art, and digital technology. Included in the program are viewings and several special events dedicated to digital art. One such artwork is Fragmentation, an adaptation of three scenes from the play Lypsinch directed by Robert Lepage and projected with the use of a 3-D system created by Sarah Kenderdine and Jeffrey Shaw. This system, consisting of six screens arranged in a hexagon, allows the viewers to circulate within the hexagon to explore an imaginary world where theatrical meets digital art.

Source: Cirque du Soleil's web site

The Montreal International Classical Guitar Festival and Competition

At Concordia University’s D.B. Clarke Auditorium, from April 27 to 29, 2012, The Montreal International Classical Guitar Festival and Competition will be taking place. Along with performances by the contestants, there will also be several virtuoso performances by Eugene Cormier, the famous Jeffrey McFadden, and not to mention the young Tobie-Eloi Hinse-Pare.

Amaluna

The latest Cirque du Soleil production, Amaluna, is an epic love story between the daughter of Queen Prospera and a brave suitor. A tribute to femininity, the show transports the audience to a mysterious island inhabited by goddesses and influenced by the cycle of the moon.

A day at Parc Jean-Drapeau is not your typical day in the park. Don’t let the name fool you; it is actually two small islands amid the St. Lawrence River-île Notre Dame and île Sainte-Hélène-and just a hop away from the Island of Montreal. Parc Jean-Drapeau is easily accessible by subway, car or shuttle ferry.

The park is very popular among locals and tourists alike for its abundance of attractions for all ages. Here is just a glimpse of what the park has to offer.

For the Adrenaline Junkie

A Six Flags theme park, La Ronde does not disappoint the thrill-seeking crowd with such rides as the Vampire and Vertigo. Come enjoy the largest theme park in Quebec! Also taking place at La Ronde, from June 30 to August 3, 2012, L’International des feux Loto-Québec, a fireworks competition that electrifies the Montreal night sky every Saturday. To be sure not to miss out on the celebrations, reserve your tickets soon!

For Water Lovers

Whether to combat the heat or simply get some exercise, the Aquatic Complex has outdoor recreational, diving, and competition pools-perfect for swimming laps. There is even a designated time for adults only.

If you enjoy feeling the sand between your toes, check out the park’s man-made beach, great for a beach volleyball game or just soaking in the sun.

For the Lucky

If you’re feeling lucky-and a little daring, stop by the Montreal Casino, located on île Notre Dame. With its spectacular architecture and quality gaming areas, the largest casino in Canada attracts crowds from around the world.

Studio Meublé wishes you a day in the park like no other!

If you are an ardent chocolate enthusiast and you’re looking for a place to satisfy your cravings, here are a few shops that will not disappoint.

Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois offers its clients innovative and bold products. The chocolatier obtains her chocolate from the best European chocolatiers, choosing chocolate which contains from 63% to 75% pure cocoa. Select from a menu of chocolates sure to delight any enthusiast!

Suite 88 offers a « chocolate lounge » concept at its two locations in the Plateau area as well as downtown. Ashley Mosca is the head of a team of four chocolatiers who prepare pure delights from a small workshop in Montreal West.

Located on Laurier Street, Coco Delices is dedicated to providing a divine experience for the discerning palates that frequent the shop. With harmonious flavours, soft and creamy textures, and intoxicating aromas, the team distinguishes itself from the competition with its unique creations.

On Duluth Street, at boutique Les chocolats de Chloé, a dedicated team individually dips and decorates its delicious chocolates, which are made on the premises. Exquisite flavours to discover!

Finally, if you should have the urge to make your own creations, you’ll find all that you’ll need at Chocolat chocolat inc., pioneers in equipment and supplies-serving Quebec chocolatiers for many years.

Studio Meublé wishes you an exquisite chocolate experience!

If you love golf and would like to play your favourite sport during your stay in Montreal, rest assured that there are many great golf courses in the city that are definitely worth visiting! Here are a few good locations to keep in mind.

The Club de golf de l’île de Montréal offers its visitors two courses designed by the famed Irish architect Pat Ruddy : the Island’s course and Ireland’s course. The driving range and the two courses are already open.

Originally, the Meadowbrook Golf Club was part of the Canadian Pacific Recreation Club of Montreal. The course, completed in 1949, has 18 holes.

The Golf île des Sœurs offers its clients a practice area and a 9-hole course, not to mention a spectacular view of Montreal. All this just 5 minutes from downtown!

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Montreal, in the Montréal-Trudeau Airport area, Golf Dorval offers the public a course par 72 with a yardage of 6643 from the back tees.

Lastly, the Club de Golf Métropolitain is located in Anjou, in the east of Montreal. In addition to its two courses, The Championship and The Executive, they have a large practice area with 52 driving stations, alternating from grass to synthetic turf.

Golfers, start swinging! Studio Meublé wishes you a great round!

Photo source: BIXI Montreal

Thanks to an early spring, Montreal bicycle paths are ready for use! If you plan on reserving your Studio Meublé accommodation of choice within the next few weeks, consider exploring the city on bicycle. Whether it’s for a short ride or a long trek, navigating the bicycle paths of Montreal allows you to discover the city from a different perspective, all the while soaking in the beautiful scenery!

Bicycle Rentals and Ready-made Tours

Vélo Montréal offers a bicycle rental service and posts on its website five ready-made tours just for you. All you need to do is choose the area of Montreal you’d like to tour!

Rentals and Guided Tours

For convenience and peace of mind, you may prefer a guided tour. Everything is taken care of for you, from equipment to repair service, if needed. Located directly on the bicycle path in Old Montreal, Montreal on Wheels is a great place to rent bicycles or inline skates.

If you prefer to explore the city at your own pace and plan your own course, consult the Montreal on Wheels Interactive Bike Map to help you plan your route.

BIXI

BIXI is a self-serve bicycle service in Montreal. Ideal for traveling short distances, the BIXI is practical for running errands, visiting a friend that lives close-by, or even for getting to school or work. You can pick up a bike at the nearest BIXI station and then drop it off at the station closest to your destination. You need to register to use the service and the bill can get quite high for longer trips.

Enjoy your cycling!

If you’re in Montreal this spring, Studio Meublé invites you to visit a sugar shack and discover the divine flavours of maple products. Did you know that 74% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Quebec? It’s safe to say we know our stuff!

Here are a few good places where you’ll be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

A Shack in the City!

For traditional cuisine revisited, in the heart of Montreal, visit La Cabane, located at the Quays of the Old Port.

Sugar Shacks Near Montreal

For those who prefer a more traditional experience with the customary meal, music and entertainment, as well as sleigh rides and the chance to buy maple products, here are a few locations near Montreal.

Mylène Deschamps and Simon Bernard welcome you at La petite cabane, located in Mirabel, where you can bring your own drinks to accompany a great feast.

• Popular for the many activities available and its Village des sucres (sugar village), Chalet des érables attracts a large crowd every year.
• Those lucky enough to have reserved (reservations for the 2012 season were filled in less than an hour!) will enjoy the culinary delights of Chef Martin Picard at the very popular Au Pied de Cochon sugar shack, located in Mirabel (St-Benoît).
• For those who would prefer to explore the South Shore, visit La feuille d’érable, located in St-Marc-sur-Richelieu, where children can visit the animals at the mini-farm.

During your stay at one of Studio Meublé’s dwellings, make the best of a rainy day by visiting the Montreal Science Center, where the activities are sure to please all tastes!

For Science Fiction Enthusiasts

As of April 19, 2012, the Montreal Science Center will present an exciting new exhibition sure to thrill science fiction enthusiasts: Star wars™ Identities : the Exhibition. Fans of this legendary film will delight in discovering Luke and Anakin Skywalker and all the other characters in a completely new light.

For Nature Lovers

The IMAX®TELUS Theater offers spectacular images and 3D technology at its finest. These days, the beauties of nature are in the spotlight!

Presenting since late February, The Last Reef 3D takes you through a journey to the bottom of the ocean; one that you will not soon forget. Using new underwater 3D technology, the filmmakers successfully captured breathtaking images from the depths of the ocean, particularly from the Palau Islands, the Bahamas and French Polynesia. A diverse and vividly colourful show!

Until May 10, 2012, you can catch Born to be Wild 3D and discover the extraordinary work of two devoted individuals dedicated to saving the lives of endangered species: the world-renowned primatologist Biruté Galdikas and elephant expert Daphne Sheldrick. You will also enjoy exploring the lush rainforests of Borneo and the Kenyan savannah.